Drinking water requirements for lactating dairy cows

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Abstract:

A study to determine the amount and
location of water consumption in dairy freestall
barns located in northeastern Kansas
was conducted during the summer of 2000.
Three farms, two Holstein farms with either
2-row or 4-row freestall barns and one Jersey
farm with 4-row freestall buildings, were
used. Summer water usage averaged 30 to
40 gallons per Holstein cow/day and 20 to 40
gallons/cow/day for Jersey cows depending
on age and stage of lactation. The farms with
Holstein cows had a water usage ratio of 4 to
4.5 lb of water per lb of milk produced and
Jersey cows required 3.1 lb of water per lb of
milk production. However, at the Holstein
dairies, only about 85% of this water was
consumed and the other 15% was utilized to
refill the tanks after tipping twice daily to
clean cross-overs and water troughs. In
addition, 35 to 45% of the water consumed is
from a water station in the center crossover
of each pen. Cattle also drank the least
amount of water from the trough located in
the crossover furthest from the pen entrance.
When given access to a water trough on the
milking parlor exit, cattle consumed 10%
(3.5 gallons/cow/day) of the daily water
intake at this location. Water usage for
drinking increased as milk production increased.
Adequate water system capacity and
water rights are needed to make allowances
for future increases in milk production.
Water consumption was greater at the center
alleys. Therefore, engineers should consider
additional space and/or water troughs at
these watering stations.